TEST DRIVE MEME #13

[expiationmods]

Test Drive Meme #13

Welcome to Expiation, a pan-fandom adventure game with elements of fantasy, science fiction, and some subtle horror.

THE STORY SO FAR (click to expand!)

-Characters have arrived in Expiation, a seemingly idyllic fantasy world where they have been told they will be judged and sentenced for crimes they were charged with upon arrival.

-Every two months, several characters are chosen for sentencing, where they’re brought to the Courthouse (formerly City Hall) and told to perform a task related to their assigned crime. Their only contact at the Courthouse is a mysterious and long-suffering man called Jerry.

-Over time, characters have begun to realize that not all is as it seems in Expiation: as it turns out, the entire world is a simulation that seems to be run by an artificial intelligence. This AI claims that its purpose, and thus the purpose of Expiation, is rehabilitating the Chosen after their crimes.

-In September 2024, that AI needed to be reset as a consequence of some catastrophic systems failures. So far, there has been no downside to this reset–but the AI has also been strangely absent since then.

-In November 2024, a strange event overtook Aldrip and turned it into a week-long eternal night where technology ceased to work. During this time, the simulation that generates Expiation seemed to malfunction, causing a strange crack to appear in the surroundings. Through this crack, characters were able to see some sort of metal enclosure. They could reach a hand in, but little more than that. This crack has disappeared, for now, but what it means for Aldrip's future remains to be seen.

TDM top-levels are open to all, whether you are already in-game or not. New characters, please put TDM in your subject header so we’ll know you’re trying things out! You can also put your top-level in the TDM DIRECTORY at the bottom of the post. Current players may use TDM threads as part of their AC proofs. Applications for February are closed to current players only, as we're at player cap. But we are still allowing for new players to hop on the TDM!

You can view our CALENDAR to keep important dates in mind. RESERVES open for current players on February 18th and APPLICATIONS will open on February 21st.. After this, applications will next open in April.

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THERE’S SOMETHING IN THE AIR TONIGHT

Aldrip's Day of Devotion celebration has become tradition among the locals. This year, to celebrate the occasion, the events center will open its doors to both locals and chosen for a special party. Strangely, not a lot of the locals seem to be attending...well, at least it's not crowded. The party takes place in-game on February 17.

The party is a little lackluster, if we're being honest. Corny cut-paper decorations, low-budget food, sappy music. The staff seem to be dedicated to making this event a roaring success, though! They'll be obsessively pairing up any single folks they see, even if that just means grabbing the closest random stranger. Altogether, the event coordinators are doing their very best to make sure every Chosen in attendance gets in on the fun, even going so far as to pull people off the street if they look like they might be trying not to attend! They’ll try to insist on characters playing their games, but they’re only human, after all–they might miss a few people.

Within the events center, Chosen will find a bar with some specialty themed cocktails, as well as a dance floor and a lounge area. They’ll also find some games and activities. Some of these are normal: cards, dice, even charades. Some…well, some seem to be taking the theme of devotion rather seriously.

A (SPEED) DATE WITH DESTINY

You find yourself seated at a table. On the table is a five-minute timer and a list of increasingly personal questions. Seated across from you: another Chosen. Maybe you signed up willingly. Maybe the event coordinator shoved you over here. Maybe some well-meaning friend has bullied you into it. Whatever the case, here you are, on a series of speed dates that the event coordinators are hoping will end in amour!

(But we all know it’s not that easy.)

The idea is simple: you each read a question for the other to answer until the five-minute timer is up. Then, either you and your new beloved leave the table together, or you change tables for a different match. Simple! Thing is, sometimes the timers don’t really work the way they should; you may find yourself feeling like this five minutes is a very long five minutes. And the questions are sometimes romantic in nature (what quality do you look for in a partner?), but sometimes they get a little…conceptual. (is humankind inherently good or evil? as an example.) Some of these questions may also assume a level of familiarity that some Chosen don’t have. Better just to roll with it.

We’ve included some sample questions here, but please do feel free to come up with your own!

CLICK HERE FOR QUESTIONS

Romantic:
-What do you admire most about me?
-What’s the hardest thing about being in love?
-Would you ever be the first to confess your feelings?
-What's really working for you in this relationship?
-What's the best kiss you've ever had?
-What makes a kiss enjoyable?
-What color underwear do you want me to wear?
-Do you prefer sexy or smart?
-When did you know you were in love with me?
-Which part of my body do you find attractive?
-If your body was a plant, how many times a day would I have to water it?

Less…romantic:
-How do we know we're doing the right thing?
-Why do you think we're here?
-Do you have a right to be happy or should you earn it?
-What is a person? Is it the mind or body?
-Is it more important to love or be loved?
-If you died today, would you be satisfied with the life you've lived?
-How do you know you're not dreaming right now?
-Do you feel happier in summer or winter?
-What color do you feel like best describes yourself?
-If you could be an animal, what would you be?
-What is your most secret wish?
-Describe your perfect day.
-What is a “soul?”

SECRET DELIVERY

It’s not an errand, it’s a scavenger hunt! …or so it’s billed by the event staff. They promise they’re not pawning their work off on you. Each Chosen is given a small box–about the size of their tablets, actually–at the door, and they’re tasked with finding the person this small box belongs to. There’s one for every event attendee, but none of them have names on them. That would be too easy! Instead, the tags have simple directions: Give this box to someone with brown hair or give this box to someone who looks sad. The descriptions vary from box to box, and can even include activities (for example, give this box to someone who was dancing!). As per the rules, if someone already has a box, they’re not allowed to accept another.

So. What’s inside?

Opening the box, Chosen will find a small trinket nestled delicately within layers of tissue paper. It’s a pin, or a hair clip, or a pendant on a chain–something Chosen will be inclined to wear. Strangely, even though the box wasn’t addressed to them by name, each Chosen will notice that the subject of the trinket somehow speaks to their experience or their past. Perhaps a butterfly means something personal to them, or a dagger, or a dog. All are asked to put on these trinkets in the spirit of the event; the event coordinators won’t punish anyone who refuses, but they will offer to help put them on, and they’ll gush over how beautiful they look.

These trinkets have a strange effect, though: they compel the wearer to speak their true feelings. These feelings can be romantic in nature, but need not be; they simply feel compelled to tell the truth about how they feel on any particular subject.

SECRET TUNNEL! SECRET TUNNEL!

The banner over this tunnel, inexplicably located on what you really thought was an exterior wall of the building, reads “Tunnel of Love and Treasure.” Doesn’t that sound nice! But entering this tunnel isn’t without complication: as the attendant will tell you, everyone who enters must be paired with another person–and it’s that attendant’s job to do the pairing! You might get paired with someone you know, with a partner or a friend…or you may be paired with a total stranger. It’s subject to the whims of this attendant, who is enthusiastic but seemingly a little clueless about whatever bonds might currently exist between people.

The second rule: explorers must hold hands the entire time they’re in the tunnel! There’s no better way to grow the feelings between you than touch, as everyone knows. Once Chosen enter the tunnel, they’ll find they actually can’t let go–their hands are stuck fast. Welp. This is fine. Right?

The tunnel is strangely…realistic inside, looking like a cave rather than the inside of an event hall. How odd. There are all sorts of nooks and crannies in which a treasure might be hidden, but examining them leaves no trace of anything that might be considered a treasure. But not to worry! There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, eventually–in quite a literal sense. It opens into a large cavern, where another event attendant sits, strumming a small guitar. Go ahead, ask him where the treasure is. He’ll tell you, “the treasure was the bond you made along the way!” Or maybe he’ll sing it to you, if you’re lucky. (Unlucky?) And…well, that may sound like a crock, but you’ll find your hands unstuck and your way back out of the tunnel clear and easy.

Wildcard

Make your own fun! Just because it’s not in the prompts doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Have at it! Go crazy! Try not to break anything (too much)!

♡

Comments

[chimericalclaw]

[It is reasonable, he will come over there and convince you, so help him—

"Out in the field on a mission", while absolutely piquing his curiosity, is absolutely too serious a subject matter for what Altius is looking for today. Although... if their chat got a bit dark, would Shigeru be amenable to comfort...? Hm. He keeps it in his back pocket for now.]

You have to know what it's supposed to be like before figuring out how to improve it, hm? As for me, it's all the same handful of memorized recipes. [He shrugs faintly with one shoulder.] I don't consider myself particularly creative, much less in the kitchen.

[Is he dangling creativity in front of Shigeru based on what he's read, hoping to spark some enthusiasm? He'll admit to nothing.]

[mysophobic]

Yes that's right! Though not everything needs to be improved. But sometimes you just have to experiment with stuff, you know? [ Shigeru will tilt his head to regard the other man. ]

Would you want to try something new then? M-Maybe we can cook something at my place? Or-Or yours! It's just that the food here isn't exactly...good, at least the stuff they brought in. But we can do it some other time too! I-I wouldn't want to drag you away from potential...dates and-and stuff.

[ The bait does seem to work and Shigeru is more or less enthusiastic to cook with Zek at least?! ]

[chimericalclaw]

[A huff leaves his nose at the remark; yes, the locals' catering was certainly pathetic. Not the sort of thing that would make any of them feel appreciated...

But a smile returns to his face.]

That would be lovely.

[Hm! A success of sorts... but he'll just have to see. Perhaps things might be easier in private? He's interested to find out, so:]

Are you free tonight?

[mysophobic]

[ Shigeru's cheeks go pink as he feels that flush creep up along his neck. He...he wasn't expecting the other to suggest tonight!! Internally screaming as he smiles and nods. Be cool Shigeru. This is fine. He's never had someone over before like this and it's just a simple dinner, nothing else could happen with this, right? ]

T-Tonight? Oh! Uh, s-sure! I-I'm not really...busy. So, tonight is fine.

[ Is it Shigeru?! He is going to panic for the rest of the day, but that's just how he copes with things, it's fine. ]

Do you have anything specific you've been craving? Like a specific dish or something? I-I can go pick up the ingredients if there is...

[chimericalclaw]

[He doesn't have to read Shigeru's mind to know his suggestion has caught the other man completely off guard, and that he might just be agreeing because he isn't sure how to ask for something else. Sometimes that's just how Altius has to suggest things so he can get what he wants. He's not about to feel guilty over it.

He won't leave the guy high and dry entirely, though.]

I've been making nothing but stew as of late, so—hmm. [Not that.] Perhaps something with pasta? I'm always open to trying something new.

[mysophobic]

Pasta...hm. Okay! I think that's easy enough and doable. [ He fiddles with one of the cards on the table. ]

What-what time do you want to come by? Does around seven work? I-I think everything here should be done by then, right?

[chimericalclaw]

Certainly. Even if it's not, I don't mind leaving early.

[What's keeping him here is the people, after all, not the event. Though speaking of events—it looks like the alarm for their time finally decides to ring, and he looks at it with raised eyebrows, almost having forgotten about it. Not exactly much emphasis on the speed of speed dating, is it...

Ah well. No matter.]

I suppose we already have each other's numbers, don't we? Just let me know where to find you and I'll be there.

[mysophobic]

[ Altius is too charming for Shigeru, he stands no chance!!! Shigeru does nod, shyly as he looks away only to jump ever so slightly when the alarm goes off. He almost forgot this was 'speed dating' so he just lets out a sigh. ]

My-my apartment. Um. I'm probably going to head out to pick up whatever we might need. But I can text it to you and I'll...see you later?

[ In self-deprecating Shigeru fashion he would not be surprised if Altius did not show up!! Getting stood up on his first date ever would be embarrassing but Shigeru doesn't have a lot of confidence in himself, so that's just a thing he will think about for the rest of the day! ] I-I hope you have a good rest of the time! It was...nice talking to you.

[ He gives a warm smile before getting to his feet. ]

[chimericalclaw]

[Altius is a little slower to get to his feet, though he smiles back in a similar fashion; he does still plan to be here for a little while, see who else might be around, even if he's found something of a distraction like he'd wanted for later in the day now.

Luckily for him, Altius is largely a man of his word despite everything else. He'll be there as promised, and they can have a pleasant evening between just the two of them, whether that might mean anything in the long run or not.]

I'll look forward to seeing you, Shigeru.